Baby Care

Suckling your baby can cause soreness around the nipples, especially if you are fair-skinned. To minimize the possibility of any problems:

• Always make sure that your baby has the nipple and areola well into her mouth
• Always take your baby off the breast gently
• Keep your nipples as dry as possible between feedings
• Make sure your nipples are dry before putting your bra back on after a feeding

In one of your nipples does become sore, give that breast a rest from feeding for 24 hours, or until the soreness has gone. Express milk from the affected breast and feed your baby from the other one. To prevent the nipple from becoming cracked, apply a protective cream two or three times a day

Nipple shield This is made for soft silicone and fits over your nipple; the baby sucks through a small rubber nipple on the front. Sterilize before us.

An untreated blocked duct or mastitis can result in a breast abscess. You may feel feverish, and you may have a shiny red patch on your breast that is exquisitely tender. Your doctor should prescribe antibiotics; if this fails, the abscess will have to be drained surgically, but you may be able to continue breastfeeding even if you need this minor operation – ask your doctor’s advice.

If a blocked duct is not treated, it can lead to an acute infection, known as mastitis. The breast will be inflamed and a red patch will appear on the outside, as with a blocked duct. If you can, you should continue to breastfeed because you need to empty the breast. However, you may find nursing too painful. In any case, consult your doctor, who may prescribe antibiotics.

Tight clothing or engorgement can cause a blocked milk duct, resulting in a hard red patch on the outside of the breast. You can prevent this by encouraging your baby to feed often and empty your breasts, and by making sure your bra fits properly. If you do get a blocked duct, offer the affected breast first.

Toward the end of the first week, before breastfeeding has become fully established, your breasts may become overfull and painful and quite hard to the touch. If this happens, your baby won’t be able to latch on successfully. Make sure you wear a good bra to minimize discomfort, and gently express some milk before feeding to relieve the fullness. Having warm baths will also help relieve the discomfort by promoting milk flow.

If sore nipples are not looked after properly, they may become cracked. If this happens, you will feel a shooting pain as your baby suckles. You should keep the nipples dry with breast pads or clean tissues, and stop feeding from the affected breast until it has healed. Express the milk by hand instead; it can be fed to your baby by bottle or from a cup with a spout.

Your breasts will be working hard for the next few months, and problems may arise if, for instance, your baby is not latching on properly or if she drags on the nipple as she comes off. The best way to prevent this is to keep your breasts clean and dry and make sure your baby always empties them when she eats. You should also wear a supportive nursing bra. If your nipples do become sore or cracked, take action immediately or they will get worse.

Although they are not essential, you will find that breast pads and shells will help keep your nipples clean and dry.

Breast shells

When you are feeding from one breast, milk may drip or even flow from the other. A shell can be used to collect this excess milk, which can then be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or frozen.

Breast pads

Disposable and washable pads are available. They fit inside your bra and protect your clothes from leaks of milk.

Many mothers find that breastfeeding goes smoothly right from the start, but it is also normal to be a bit clumsy at first, for the baby not to suck for very long, or for your breasts to be a bit sore. Remember that it takes time to learn, so if problems arise, preserve until things get easier.

Care of the breasts The daily hygiene of your breasts and nipples is very important. You should cleanse them every day with water or baby lotion (not soap, which defats the skin and can aggravate a sore or cracked nipple), and gently pat them dry. Dry them gently after feeding. Wear your bra all the time, as you will need lots of support, but leave the front flaps down with your nipples open to the air. You may like to use a moisturizing cream on your nipples or, if they become sore, an antiseptic spray.

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If your baby doesn’t settle down to feed or appears not to be satisfied, he is probably sucking on the nipple alone and not getting enough milk. This may also lead to sore nipples. Check with your pediatrician or lactation consultant to be sure your baby is positioned correctly.